Jerry Shelton, a 35-year-old male of African American ethnicity, tragically lost his life on March 9, 2016, in a mass shooting in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh. The incident occurred during a backyard party attended by about fifteen people. Shortly before 11:00 p.m., two gunmen opened fire on the partygoers. One gunman, positioned in a nearby alley, fired shots from a .40-caliber pistol, while the other gunman, situated in the yard of an adjacent residence, used a 7.62 mm caliber
rifle. The attack was described as "planned and calculated," with most of the victims suffering headshots.
In addition to Jerry Shelton, the victims included his sister Brittany Powell , his sister Chanetta Powell , his cousin Tina Shelton , and family friend Shada Mahone . Chanetta Powell was pregnant, and her unborn baby was also declared a fatality. Three other individuals were injured in the shooting, with two in critical condition.
Authorities initially charged Cheron Shelton and Robert Thomas with the crime. However, charges against Thomas were later dropped, and Cheron Shelton was acquitted at trial in 2020. Despite the acquittal, the case remains a painful memory for the victims' families and the community.
The investigation into the shooting involved extensive efforts by local and federal law enforcement agencies. Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala described the shooting as a "planned and calculated" attack and announced a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators. Despite these efforts, the gunmen have not been identified, and the case remains unsolved.
The tragic loss of Jerry Shelton and the other victims continues to resonate within the community, highlighting the devastating impact of gun violence and the challenges faced by law enforcement in solving such cases.
